Key skills and expertise

With over 21 years of experience, the expert is a seasoned economist specializing in international trade, macroeconomic policy, and applied economics. Bringing strong project management skills, the expert has led multi-disciplinary teams and managed complex projects across Africa and the Arab region. Career highlights include implementing international initiatives such as the AfCFTA/AIDA Impact Assessment and the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) Status Report. Previously held roles such as Principal Economic Officer at AUDA-NEPAD have involved engaging in high-level policy dialogues and resource mobilization. Proficient in statistical software and advanced MS Office applications, the expert excels in stakeholder engagement and capacity building.

Project experience and donor exposure

Worked across diverse projects involving collaboration with international donors such as the World Bank, JICA, and UNIDO. The expert's involvement includes project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building in areas like trade, industrialization, and economic development. These projects have been regional in scope, focusing on enhancing trade and industrial policies across African nations. The expert's work with these agencies has been conducted in locations including South Africa, Egypt, and other African countries.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across key sectors including rural development, macroeconomics and public finance, poverty reduction, trade, regional integration, and SME and private sector development. Responsibilities have included strategic roles such as Principal Economic Officer, engaging in policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise includes integrating digitalization in trade facilitation and infrastructure development in rural areas. The geographic scope of work has a regional focus, particularly in African and Arab economies, where the expert has led initiatives to enhance economic development and regional cooperation. Extensive geographic experience includes professional assignments in Botswana, Central African Republic, Egypt, Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This experience has provided the expert with deep familiarity with local governance, cultural dynamics, and economic policies, focusing on enhancing trade and economic collaboration within these regions.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and is a native Arabic speaker, with intermediate proficiency in French. These language skills have been utilized in various professional settings, including international policy dialogues and collaboration with multilingual teams across Africa and the Arab region. The expert's ability to communicate effectively in these languages has been instrumental in fostering partnerships and executing international economic projects. The expert holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, completed between April 2014 and September 2018. Additionally, a Master’s degree in Economics was obtained from the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences at Cairo University, Egypt, from September 2003 to August 2008. The expert also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Computer Sciences from the same institution, earned between September 1999 and June 2003.